The central mansion was built in 1935 by Wallace Simonsen, the founder of the city of São Bernardo do Campo.
The property was acquired by the municipal government in 1974 to prevent urban sprawl and preserve the local flora.
The mansion's architectural style reflects the high-end residential trends of the 1930s in the São Paulo state region.
The park maintains a collection of rare tree species native to the Atlantic Forest biome.
The mansion underwent extensive restoration efforts between 2017 and 2019 to preserve its historical character.
Parque Chácara Silvestre is a municipal park in São Bernardo do Campo featuring a historic mansion originally built in the 1930s as a summer residence for the Wallace Simonsen family. The grounds encompass approximately 77,000 square meters of greenery, integrating preserved remnants of the Atlantic Forest with landscaped recreational areas. The park serves as a center for cultural activities, frequently hosting exhibitions and workshops within the restored manor house. Visitors have access to paved walking trails, an outdoor playground, and extensive lawn spaces suitable for picnics. The site is recognized for its botanical diversity, which provides a natural refuge within the urban fabric of Nova Petrópolis. It functions as a public leisure space under the management of the local municipal government.
The front facade of the historic mansion with the sprawling gardens in the foreground.
Bring insect repellent as the dense vegetation attracts mosquitoes.
Check the official city website for the rotating schedule of cultural events held inside the manor.
Wear comfortable sneakers as the paths include some uneven terrain.
Do not wander off marked trails, as the park contains dense vegetation and potential wildlife habitats that are not maintained for foot traffic.
The mansion interior may be closed on certain weekdays for maintenance or private events.
Respect the historic mansion by not touching artifacts, and strictly adhere to the 'pack-in, pack-out' policy for trash.
